Ohio State and Texas have a long history of competition, and while the Buckeyes couldn’t face the Longhorns on the football field last season, they are still working hard to deal Texas a major loss—this time, in recruiting and the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space.

Ohio State and Texas have a long history of competition, and while the Buckeyes couldn’t face the Longhorns on the football field last season, they are still working hard to deal Texas a major loss—this time, in recruiting and the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) space.

 

The Buckeyes have been aggressively pursuing several high-profile recruits who are also top Texas targets. With a strong NIL collective and a history of player development, Ohio State is making a serious push to lure talent away from Austin. The battle has been particularly fierce for five-star prospects in key positions, including quarterback and wide receiver, where both programs have traditionally excelled.

 

One major storyline is Ohio State’s pursuit of five-star wide receiver and Texas native, (insert name if available). The Longhorns have been in the driver’s seat for his commitment, but Ohio State’s coaching staff has been relentless in their pitch, selling their ability to develop elite NFL talent like Marvin Harrison Jr. The same battle is playing out with several linemen and defensive players, as both programs fight to dominate in the trenches.

 

Beyond recruiting, the Buckeyes are also leveraging their NIL opportunities to counter Texas’ growing influence in that space. Texas has been making waves with its collective, but Ohio State’s infrastructure remains one of the best in the country.

 

While Texas won the head-to-head battle in the College Football Playoff, this off-field war is far from over. With conference realignment bringing Texas into the SEC, the Longhorns will continue clashing with Ohio State for the nation’s top talent. The question is—who will come out on top in this ongoing recruiting war?